[pat in Santa Cruz]

in reply to your answer on gaskets. Best Gasket Company makes a head gasket that has a strong black inner gasket covered in copper. These gaskets are earning a reputation for quality and durability. Your head probably requires a "B" gasket instead of one for an "A".

I am still seeing folks having trouble with the silicone gaskets although I have seen and used many with good results. Those require very frequent torquing for quite some time after installation. Additionally, the first run of the silicone gaskets had the red, water sealing strip misplaced through the center, driver's side, water port instead of around it. These are notorious for leaking. There are still some around being sold, so Caveat Emptor. If you buy one, get it from the source, which is Snyder's.

Always set a new gasket on the head to check for fit before installing it. You will be amazed how many do not fit exactly right.